Utility bag lighting

ABSTRACT

A lighting device for a utility bag including at least one moveable light source, a bracket connected to a utility bag, and a hinge device connected to the bracket and the moveable light source. The moveable light source is adjustable for targeting lighting.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The embodiments relate to lighting sources for utility bags, and in particular to lighting sources for utility bags for lighting an interior/exterior of a utility bag as well as surrounding areas.

2. Description of the Related Art

Utility bags are used for carrying tools, supplies and accessories for professionals as well as non-professionals. Utility bags may be used in the day time or at night. A person using a utility bag at night typically requires the use of a light source, such as a flashlight or lamp. Using a lamp is sometimes inappropriate due to the working area. Carrying the extra weight of a flashlight or use of a flashlight may be inconvenient, especially when a person carrying a utility bag has their hands full.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the invention includes a lighting device for a utility bag. The lighting device including at least one moveable light source, a bracket connected to a utility bag, and a hinge device connected to the bracket and the moveable light source. The moveable light source is adjustable for targeting lighting.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a utility bag. The utility bag including at least one light source. A bracket is coupled to the utility bag. A mounting device is coupled to the bracket and the at least one light source. The light source is adjustable for targeting lighting.

Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a lighting device kit for a utility bag. The lighting device kit includes a light source. The light source is adjustable for targeting lighting. A bracket is coupled to the light source. A hinge device is coupled to the bracket and the light source. The bracket is fixable to a side portion of a utility bag.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the Figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a light source for a utility bag according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a light source for a utility bag shown moving to an opened state according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a light source for a utility bag in an opened state according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a light source for a utility bag shown in an open state shown swiveling/rotating in the direction of the arrows according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit diagram for a light source for a utility bag according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a light source for a utility bag according to another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a light source for a utility bag providing light through a clear window according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

The description may disclose several preferred embodiments of utility bag light sources, as well as operation and/or component parts thereof. While the following description will be described in terms of utility bag light sources and devices for clarity and to place the invention in context, it should be kept in mind that the teachings herein may have broad application to all types of systems, devices and applications.

One embodiment of the invention provides a lighting device for a utility bag. The lighting device including at least one moveable light source, a bracket connected to a utility bag, and a hinge device connected to the bracket and the moveable light source. The moveable light source is adjustable for targeting lighting.

FIG. 1 illustrates a lighting source device 100 for a utility bag 140 (e.g., an open/closed tool bag, accessory bag, etc.) according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting source device 100 includes a lighting source housing 110 connected to a swivel device 120 and a hinge or rotational device 130. As illustrated, the lighting source housing is shown in a closed position/state. In one example, the lighting source device 100 is attached to an upper sidewall of a utility bag 140. In other examples, the lighting source device 100 may be attached to the end walls or body portions of the utility bag 140.

FIG. 2 illustrates the lighting source device 100 for a utility bag 140 shown moving to an opened state in the direction of the arrow according to one embodiment of the invention. In one example the lighting source device 100 includes a bracket or means for attaching 210 coupled with the lighting source housing 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the hinge or rotational device 130 connects the lighting source housing 110 to the bracket 210 so that the lighting source housing 110 may rotate upwards or away from the bracket 210 to achieve an open state or position. In one example, the bracket 210 is attached to the utility bag 140 via thru-holes 220 using means such as rivets, screws, nuts/bolts, or other similar means for attaching.

In one embodiment of the invention, a window 230 allows light to enter the utility bag 140 when the light source housing is in a closed state and the lighting source device is turned on via a switch 520 (see FIG. 5). In one example, the window 230 includes a plastic, Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or other equivalent or similar material that allows light to pass through to the interior of the utility bag 140. In another example, the window 230 comprises a through-hole to the interior of the utility bag 140 without a cover and may include a removable window 230.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the lighting source device 100 for a utility bag 140 in an opened state according to one embodiment of the invention. In one example, lighting source device 100 includes a lighting element 310. In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting element 310 includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) 320 that emits lighting in at least the targeted direction of the arrows. In other examples, lighting element 310 includes many LEDs 320, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. In one example, the LEDs 320 may comprise any combination of colored lighting, such as white, red, green, yellow, infrared, etc.

In one example, the lighting source housing 110 includes a lifting portion 330 for facilitating lifting or moving the lighting source housing 110. In one example, a rotation portion 350 is coupled with a mounting or swivel portion 360, where the rotation portion 350 provides rotation functionality to the lighting source housing 110 and the swivel portion 360 provides swivel functionality to the lighting source housing 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the rotation portion 350 may rotate between 0°-180°. The rotation functionality of the rotation portion 350 coupled with the swivel functionality of the swivel portion 360 provides for the lighting source housing 110 to provide precision targeted lighting in many directions, including within the utility bag 140, the sides of the utility bag 140, and away from the utility bag 140, which provides precision lighting to areas external to the utility bag 140 (e.g., working areas, front/rear pathways, etc.).

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the lighting source device 100 for a utility bag 140 shown in an open state shown swiveling/rotating in the direction of the arrows according to an embodiment of the invention. In one example, the lighting source housing 110 may swivel back and forth 360° and rotate up/down from/towards the bracket 210. In one example, the lighting source housing is coupled with the swivel portion 360 by a swivel means, such as a ball and socket, washers and coupling (e.g., screw/nut, formed connector, etc. In one example, the bottom portion of the lighting source housing 110 is positioned on the swivel portion 360 based on friction, which provides precision positioning of the lighting source housing in relation to the swivel portion by frictional position locking. In another example, a ratchet type of positional locking mechanism may be employed to provide precision positioning of the lighting source housing in relation to the swivel portion 360. In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting source housing 110 is permanently fixed to the swivel portion 360. In other embodiments of the invention, the lighting source housing 110 may be removably coupled to the swivel portion 360 for providing handheld functionality for lighting.

FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit 500 for the lighting source device 100 for a utility bag 140 according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, the circuit 500 for the lighting source device 100 includes the lighting element 310, a switch 520, a power source 530 and optional sensor 540. In one example, the switch 520 may comprise a slide switch, a push button switch, etc. In one example, the switch 520 is disposed on the lighting source housing 110 (e.g., on the outer top portion, a side portion, an inner portion, etc.). In one embodiment of the invention, the switch 520 may comprise a user lighting selection functionality for controlling amount the lighting element 310 by means of a controller circuit 525. In one example, the switch 520 and controller circuit 525 may be user selectable to light on a portion of LEDs 320 (e.g., one, two, three, all, etc.). In another example, the switch 520 and controller circuit 525 may be user selectable to select a particular color of LEDs 320 (e.g., white, red, green, yellow, etc.). In yet another example, the switch 520 and controller circuit 525 may be user selectable to select solid or blinking LEDs 320.

In one example, the sensor 540 may comprise a position determining sensor, a motion sensor, a light sensor, or any combination of various sensors to provide control of the switch 520. In one example, upon employing a position determining sensor as sensor 540, positioning the lighting source housing 110 to an open state (e.g., a position away from bracket 210) closes the switch 520, which provides voltage to the lighting element 310, and moving the lighting source housing 110 to a closed state (e.g., against the bracket 210) opens the switch 520 cutting off voltage to the lighting element 310.

In one example, upon employing a motion sensor as sensor 540, a timer regulates the time that the switch 520 is closed based on sensing motion within a predetermined distance from this sensor 540 disposed on the lighting source housing 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined motion sensing distance is adjustable by a user from 1 ft.-15 ft. In another embodiment of the invention, the predetermined motion sensing distance is preset between distances of 1 ft-3 ft. In one example, the motion sensor may be turned on or off so that the switch 520 may be manually set on/off. In one embodiment of the invention, the timer may be user adjustable or preset to a particular amount of time. In one example, the timer may be adjusted from 5 seconds to 15 minutes. In another example, the timer is preset between 30 seconds and one minute. The use of the motion sensor provides lighting in the set direction of the lighting source housing 110 by sensing motion without a user having to manually press/slide the switch 520.

In one example, upon employing a light sensor as sensor 540, when the switch is placed in an on position, the sensor 540 will not close the circuit 500 unless the sensor 540 senses that not enough light is within the proximity of the light sensor (i.e., the area is dark enough to necessitate lighting the area). In one example, the light sensor 540 may be positioned on the sides, exterior or interior portions of the lighting source housing 110. In one example, employing the light sensor 540 provides energy saving when lighting the lighting source device 100 is not necessary based on available ambient light. In one example, the light sensor 540 may be manually overridden.

In one example, the sensor 540 may include any combination of sensors, such as motion and light sensors, position and light sensors, etc.

In one embodiment of the invention, the power source 530 comprises rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries selected based on the number of LEDs 320 and/or voltage required to power the lighting element 310. In one example, a solar charging circuit is employed to store energy in a rechargeable battery of power source 530. In one example, the solar charging circuit may be disposed on the outer portion of the lighting source housing 110. In another example, an adapter or plug in socket may be employed with the lighting source device 100 to connect to an external power source, such as a battery pack from an electric tool (e.g., electric drill, hammer, screwdriver, etc.), separate additional battery pack, an AC/DC power supply, etc.

FIG. 6 illustrates a lighting source device 100 for a utility bag 640 according to another embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the lighting source device 100 is positioned on an end of utility bag 640. As illustrated, lighting source device 100 is rotated about 90° from bracket 210 and swiveled on swivel portion 360 to provide targeted lighting. In one example, the lighting source device 100 may be positioned to target lighting inside the utility bag 640 or external to the utility bag 640, depending on lighting needs of a user. As shown, arrow 610 shows one direction of swivel or rotation and arrow 620 shows another direction of rotation.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting source device 100 may vary in size. In one example, width of the lighting source device 100 may range in width from 3 inches-8 inches, preferably between 4 inches-6 inches; and the length of the lighting source device 100 may range from 3 inches-10 inches, preferably between 4 inches-6 inches across. It should be noted that the lighting source device 100 may be customized and fit according to necessity and desire of the user, and based on the width and length of the utility bag used (e.g., 140, 640, etc.).

In other examples, other types of light sources may be employed with lighting element 310, such as Electroluminescent (EL) light sources, etc. In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting source device 100 includes glow-in-the-dark material.

In one example, the lighting source device 100 may be made of one or more of: reinforced polypropylene, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, nylon material, hardened plastic, polymer, rubber, composite material, metal or metal alloy, etc., or other similar or equivalent materials.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting source housing 110 may comprise one or more magnets that may be used to attach to other metal devices when the lighting source housing 110 is removably connected to the swivel portion 360. In one example, the removed lighting source housing 110 may be attached to a tool, a metal portion of a ladder, etc. to provide user directed targeted lighting. In another example, the lighting source housing 110 may include a hook, a through-hole, etc. for attaching to an external object (e.g., a ladder, a tool, a tool belt, a nail, etc.) when the lighting source housing 110 is removably connected to the swivel portion 360.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting source device 100 may be provided as a kit to be attached to an existing utility bag, such as utility bag, 140, 640, etc. In one example, the lighting source device 100 includes the bracket 210 and is attached to the utility bag existing utility bag via thru-holes 220 using means such as rivets, screws, nuts/bolts, or other similar means for attaching. In one example, the user may attach the lighting source device 100 to any suitable portion of the existing utility bag. In another example, the bracket 210 may include a clip or clamp feature for clipping/clamping the lighting source device 100 to an existing utility bag in a desired location.

FIG. 7 illustrates a light source 100 for a utility bag providing light through the window 230 according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown, the light source 100 may be seen through the window 230 and provides light to the interior of a utility bag 140 in at least the directions of the arrows 710 when the light source is powered to an “on” state via circuit 500. In some embodiments of the invention, the window 230 may be sized to view all or a portion of the inner side of the lighting source housing 110. In one example, the window 230 is sized to only show the lighting element 310 to the interior portion of the utility bag 140. As shown, when the utility bag 140 is in an opened state, the light source 100 may illuminate the interior of the utility bag 140 as desired when natural light or other light sources are unavailable or not desired for use. In one example, the light source 100 may illuminate the interior of the utility bag 140 in a quick and easy manner without having to use an additional tool, such as a flashlight, and without having to use a hand to hold such a tool.

In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known equivalent components and elements may be substituted in place of those described herein, and similarly, well-known equivalent techniques may be substituted in place of the particular techniques disclosed. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.

Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. 

1. A lighting device for a utility bag comprising: at least one moveable light source; a bracket coupled to a utility bag; and a hinge device coupled to the bracket and the at least one moveable light source, wherein the moveable light source is adjustable for targeting lighting.
 2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the moveable light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.
 3. The lighting device of claim 2, further comprising a switch device coupled to a power source and the moveable light source.
 4. The lighting device of claim 3, wherein the switch device comprises a sensor device.
 5. The lighting device of claim 4, wherein the sensor comprises a position determining sensor, a motion sensor, a light sensor, or a combination of the motion sensor and the light sensor.
 6. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein the power source is coupled to a solar energy conversion device.
 7. The lighting device of claim 3, wherein the moveable light source is rotatable for targeting lighting.
 8. The lighting device of claim 7, further comprising a swivel mount coupled to the moveable light source.
 9. The lighting device of claim 8, wherein the moveable light source is permanently affixed to the bracket.
 10. The lighting device of claim 9, wherein the moveable light source rotates and swivels for providing lighting to an interior portion of the utility bag and for targeting lighting away from the utility bag.
 11. A utility bag comprising: at least one light source; a bracket coupled to a utility bag; and a mounting device coupled to the bracket and the at least one light source, wherein the light source is adjustable for targeting lighting.
 12. The utility bag of claim 11, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.
 13. The utility bag of claim 12, further comprising a switch device coupled to the light source and a power source.
 14. The utility bag of claim 13, wherein the switch device comprises a sensor device.
 15. The utility bag of claim 14, wherein the sensor comprises a position determining sensor, a motion sensor, a light sensor, or a combination of the motion sensor and the light sensor.
 16. The utility bag of claim 13, wherein the light source is rotatable for targeting lighting.
 17. The utility bag of claim 16, wherein the utility bag includes a window for providing light from the light source to the interior of the utility bag.
 18. The utility bag of claim 17, wherein the light source rotates and swivels for providing lighting to an interior portion of the utility bag and for targeting lighting away from the utility bag.
 19. A lighting device kit for a utility bag comprising: a light source wherein the light source is adjustable for targeting lighting; a bracket coupled to the light source; a hinge device coupled to the bracket and the light source, wherein the bracket is fixable to a side portion of a utility bag.
 20. The lighting device kit of claim 19, further comprising: a switch device coupled to a power source and the light source, wherein the switch device comprises a sensor device, wherein the sensor comprises a position determining sensor, a motion sensor, a light sensor, or a combined light sensor and motion sensor, wherein the light source is rotatable for targeting lighting, wherein the light source rotates and swivels for providing lighting to an interior portion of the utility bag and for targeting lighting away from the utility bag, and wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes. 